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No. 3: “GTA: Vice City”
My list of “Ten Games That Have Had Probably Way Too Much Influence On My Life” continues …
No. 3: “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” (2003)
The Game: Just out of stir and looking to make a name for yourself, you hit Vice City to do a small job and end up getting involved in all sorts of trouble, ranging from simple car theft to political scandals.
You might’ve heard a little bit about this game and the more recent installment in the series, “San Andreas,” which was also a great game but didn’t pack the wallop this entry did.
What Was So Great About It: It was like living a good, pulpy crime novel — or graphic novel, if you will — instead of just reading it. What the game lacked in realistic graphics and combat engines it more than made up in style, which struck the perfect balance between nihilistic satire and satiric nihilism. (Harder than it sounds, believe you me.)
It was also the first time I ever revisited a game about a year later, just cruising the streets, listening to the radio and remembering all the fun I’d had there. Yes, I was nostalgic for Vice City, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Forced to make room for saves in the new NHL games, I recently wiped out the massive files that contained my completed versions of both “Vice City” and “San Andreas.” It was a sad moment.
Impact On The Rest Of Humanity: Oh, I think people noticed. Some people even did some talking about the “San Andreas” entry.
Can’t wait for the next installment.
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